Specific Area Plan

What is a Specific Area Plan?

A Specific Plan or Specific Area Plan is a tool for the systematic implementation of the general plan. It establishes a link between implementing policies of the Town’s adopted General Plan and the more specific development proposal(s) in a defined area of Town. The plan may be general in nature or more detailed depending on the particular characteristics of the area being defined.

A Specific Area Plan further defines elements of the adopted General Plan such as land use, transportation, open space, economic development and infrastructure. It may also provide more detailed elements such as character and vision, or design guidelines more specific to the subject area.

The Specific Area Plan process is authorized under Arizona Revised Statute which provides for public notification process and a recommendation from the Planning Commission followed by consideration and adoption by Town Council.

If approved, the plan provides potential developers, existing land owners, and Town departments with a framework to analyze development projects in the specified area using the goals and themes that characterize the area.

The NSAP is largely focused on: addressing the need for Industrial lands in the North area of Town; proximity of residential development to the Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport; and acknowledging existing zoning that allows for Residential development.

The SSAP is largely focused on: preserving, protecting, and growing the Town's Agritainment sites, maintaining commercial acreage, character and design standards that are compatible with and support Agritainment, and highlighting the wash trail system and it's impact in this area of Town.